Kerala Man Shot Dead In Firing At Jordan-Israel Border, Embassy Assures Support As Family Awaits Mortal Remains
Ani Thomas Gabriel, a 47-year-old Kerala man, was fatally shot at the Jordan-Israel border while allegedly crossing illegally with three companions. The Indian Embassy in Jordan confirmed his death.
A 47-year-old man from Kerala, Ani Thomas Gabriel, was reportedly shot dead at the Jordan-Israel border last month, according to his relatives. Gabriel, a native of Thumba, was among a group of four people attempting to cross the border when Jordanian soldiers opened fire on them.
The Embassy of India in Jordan confirmed the death in a post on its official X account. "The Embassy has learnt of the sad demise of an Indian national in unfortunate circumstances. The Embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased and is working closely with Jordanian authorities for transportation of mortal remains of the deceased," the statement read.
The Embassy has learnt of the sad demise of an Indian national in unfortunate circumstances. The Embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased and is working closely with Jordanian authorities for transportation of mortal remains of the deceased. @MEAIndia
— India in Jordan (@IndiainJordan) March 2, 2025
Gabriel's family said they received an email from the Indian Embassy on 1 March confirming his death. "We received an email from the Indian Embassy in Jordan about his death, but there has been no further communication after that," Metilda, a relative, told news agency PTI on Sunday.
According to family sources cited by PTI, the incident took place on 10 February when Jordanian soldiers intercepted the group at the border. As they attempted to escape, the soldiers opened fire, reportedly hitting Gabriel in the head. Another member of the group, Gabriel's relative Edison, sustained a leg injury but survived. He was treated at a Jordanian army hospital before being repatriated to India.
Gabriel had left home on 5 February, telling his family he was going to Velankanni, a Christian pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. However, TV reports suggest he and Edison, along with two others, had travelled to Jordan on a three-month visit visa and were trying to cross into Israel with the help of an agent.
The family only became aware of Gabriel’s journey to Jordan after Edison returned to India. Upon further inquiries through the Embassy, they were officially informed of his death. Gabriel is survived by his wife, Christeena.
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